Ederin stands and hopes for the best. Dimitrio attacks the remaining lizard, and connects! Kaylayne throws a pair of stone at the remaining lizard, and connects once. Lief still has an action in initiative if he wants to take it.
Aetheri smiles sweetly at Ederin, ”My pleasure, I’m glad it was helpful. I have more I can do…” She switches out her necklace for another (technically more than a single round action, but we're out of init so it's OK) and uses it touching Ederin with even more healing.
The still visible skull is seen briefly as it flies out the hole in the wall that Kaylayne came in through. It’s moving very fast and is quickly lost among the trees. I’m sure it’s gone for good. Totally.
The remaining lizard collapses under the weight of the parties attacks.
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"Thanks for comin' in when you did everyone, I'd have been dead otherwise." Ederin takes a moment to relax now that everything has quieted and he notices a peculiar set of markings along his side where he still feels a bit bruised. "Looks like I got another tattoo!" He says before pulling his shirt back down.
He enters the conservatory again and collects his weapons before inspecting the rest of the area. Making sure it really is clear of threats.
He enters the conservatory again and collects his weapons before inspecting the rest of the area. Making sure it really is clear of threats.
"Wait up, Shorty! No need to hurry. I'm still a little shaken from that lightning ball. Who's got the healing wand?"
___________
Schrodinger Garridan is both here and not here. He's not 'engaged', won't be fighting, etc. But he gets a share of the loot and experience so we remain even.
As is usual for my campaigns, everyone should roll their own healing for speed, and whoever has the wand(s) will track the charges.
Kaylayne considers chasing the floating skull, but declines and instead moves back to check on Ederin.
"Looks like I got another tattoo!"
"Is it a bed sores tattoo?" Kaylayne quips with a smile. "'Cuz if you keep laying around like that, you'll get some."
Kaylayne only keeps her grin on for a moment, instead moving back into the doorway to keep a lookout for the wisp or other enemies.
"If that skull comes back, let me deal with it," Kaylayne notes as she charges up 3 more stones.
"Can't imagine there are too many more threats in here after that menagerie. They must have scared off everything else...and it's a bit of proof that the drow don't come this way too often. Also, it makes me wonder about the previous elven 'major pushes' that have occurred. How did this group survive those?" Kaylayne looks at Aetheri.
"Aetheri, when did you say the last major push was? How long ago?"
Kaylayne climbs to the top of the slab (on the map) and looks around.
Perception
Aetheri responds, "Oh there hasn't been a major push for ages. Just forays and encapsulating. I'm no expert though. Seems like they thought they had the drow contained until a few months ago and, well, they've sort of been on their heels ever since."
She brightens up, "We're going inside? Excellent! I feared you would want to retreat utterly. I'm so glad I've picked a strong crew." she smiles at you all and blithely walks into the building, examining the remaining entry pillars as she goes.
Two of the lizards are still breathing, though not for long (I'm going to say they bleed out unless you do something to stop it).
The party gets a close look at the enormous door guard. What an enormous beast! He looked like he could have rended you horribly.
Kaylayne doesn't hear anything within.
"My pleasure, I’m glad it was helpful. I have more I can do…"
Lief smiles. We need more of that. He looks Ederin over, then checks himself out for the plentiful injuries, courtesy of the lizards.
He picks up both of his weapons, then follows Aetheri in. He moves to stand over the guardian behemoth, aware of the well-placed arrow in it. He looks it over, assessing the possible scenarios involving it still being alive when they were hit by the Will-O'-Wisp and lizards.
He waits for Ederin to get his bearings, then follows his lead.
You get one question.
Lief would study the creature for special attack potential.
She brightens up, "We're going inside? Excellent! I feared you would want to retreat utterly. I'm so glad I've picked a strong crew." she smiles at you all and blithely walks into the building, examining the remaining entry pillars as she goes.
The bard takes the healing stick and closes his wounds.
Dimitrio nods, "Yeah, we're going inside. You're not done, are you?"
He looks around and warns again, "But this is still dangerous so stay behind but not too behind. You know what I mean?"
_________
Kaylayne moves atop the dias/disc and waits for the door (#2) to be opened.
"Dimi?" Kaylayne nods at the door.
"Is it a bed sores tattoo?" Kaylayne quips with a smile. "'Cuz if you keep laying around like that, you'll get some."
Ederin laughs and points to the giant creature lying dead in the ground. "Might've been all o' us with 'bed sores' if I hadn't taken that thing out." He rubs his side again and looks at the dead lizards. "Only saw one o' them at the time, didn't figure I'd be ambushed by a couple o' scaly dog biters."
Ederin pulls out the wand he borrowed from Garridan and clears up the last of his wounds then smacks it against his hand a couple times. "Feels like this one is almost outta juice. You got the new one right Kay?"
Putting the wand away he draws his bow and follows the magical bartender, pointing his bow toward the door she'd indicated.
"Let's hope we've had our fun for the day, I'm not sure I'm ready to hear you say 'Momma Grizzly' again."
"I'm not sure I'm ready to hear you say 'Momma Grizzly' again."
Ederin? More like Bedridden!
Good one, you!Yeah, go with it.
"Then stay on your feet, Bedridden." Kay quips back with a smirk. "Then I won't have to. Besides, I just wanted their attention off you and onto me. I didn't like saying it either. Glad you pulled through...Nice work, Dimi."
Kaylayne moves atop the dias/disc and waits for the door (#2) to be opened.
"Dimi?" Kaylayne nods at the door.
Dimitrio looked about and then it dawned on him; with Garridan behind he had become the most armored individual of the group.
"Yeah OK. I can do this."
He then checked the door for traps and noise and opened up.
As you enter, properly, apply the vast light sources you have, and examine the interior, you’re likely impressed. The building is old as is most of the city of course. But so well built!
Ceilings arch, slightly, at the top to soften the edges and are a vaulting 20’ high or more. Though the walls are thin, they are incredibly well constructed, tough, and utterly soundproof. The doors are all of beautifully marbled stone, though they move easily on their hinges even now. Due to some cracks, but mostly skylights, much of the complex is in dim light though there are sconces for more light. If it weren’t for the creeping greenery and unpleasant smell, it’d be very lovely indeed.
Despite a number of fallen and crumbling supports, a multitude of stable marble columns holds the ceiling aloft in the entry hall. Mold and fungi seem to grow in every corner and crevice, and the scent of rot and dusty air gives the sizable hall the feeling of unnatural closeness. Several ancient stone doors provide access to numerous other rooms and to the south stands a vine-tangled platform.
You find two thoroughly dismembered, but fairly fresh, drow corpses against the northeastern wall of the hall. On them you find a pair of masterwork daggers, a potion of darkness (go figure), 60 gold pieces, and a brief note written in Undercommon that contains orders to enchant the beast that lairs in “the domed ruin at the end of the city’s northeastern arm.”
In area two, the scent of sweat and a thick animal musk dominates this small room. A large mound of leaves, rotting wood, and shattered statuary lies heaped in the corner. You find nothing of particular value, and it’s hard to know what was here at one time.
Chamber four is more interesting. This oblong chamber is about twenty-five feet long and half as wide, with a doorway at either end and a riser of stone benchers along the eastern wall. A continuous fresco of starry skies runs the circumference of the room, obscured by unpleasant patches of mold and mildew.
Aetheri gets excited at the find. ”Oh, we must clear off this mold, please help me.” she starts by casting prestidigitation at one end. At this rate, without help, it’ll be about an hour before the walls are cleared.
”Oh, we must clear off this mold, please help me.”
"No," Kaylayne cuts a reply a bit more harshly than she intended. "We can do that after we secure this building completely. We have magics upon us that we should use while there still might be threats about."
Kaylayne tries to make a placating smile at Aetheri. "We can come back to it."
Kaylayne urges Dimi to areas 6, 7, & 8.
Lief walks up to Aetheri, and speaks quietly. "You haven't been with her long enough, but you'll find her diametrically-opposed wording quite common. Don't take it personally."
Lief follows Ederin and Dimitrio as they continue the sweep of the place. The Render and the Wisp, and some spotty lizards. The drow knew of the beast, sent agents, the agents ended up dead, and no other drow have reported here yet to collect the bodies. This place is still on their mapping, no doubt.
Dimitrio sides with Layne on this one, "Yes, ma'am. I fear Layne is correct. Let us make sure the entire place is clear and free of enemies and then we can spend time doing what you need to do."
He combs his hair back leaving it with shiny, loose curls. he winks at her, "I have some minor magic that can help you."
Ederin takes a spot on one of the raised platforms so he can see better and just waits with his bow ready while the group makes it's way around the conservatory.
"Not sure what I have that can help love but once we're all clear I'll do what I can."
The elven matron looks disappointed, but she recognizes the sense in what Kaylayne says and is calmed by Lief. The party makes a quick search of the complex, trying to assure themselves there is no further risk.
Area six is a half-dome projecting out from the conservatory, decorated with overgrown scenes of elves attending to everyday activities accompanied by musicians. Something glitters among these reliefs. High on the dome, nearly thirty feet overhead, the ceiling - spider webbed with deep cracks - lets in natural light and hanging vines.
Area seven has a pair of stone double doors standing at either end of this crumbling, roughly ovular chamber. Two small platforms rise up from the floor, surrounded by stacked stone benches. From the walls, obscured by vines and streaks of dirty rainwater, protrude reliefs of elven pipers, swirling music, and soaring dragons.
”Oh, this will bear further scrutiny for sure!” exclaims Aetheri excitedly.
Area eight is a cylindrical room boasting a domed roof featuring many gaps for long shattered windows amid fanciful carvings. Across from the door stands a stone altar bearing the symbol of a pointing hand surrounded by a rainbow. To the right, water still trickles in an ancient fountain. The entirety of the room was once painted in bright colors, but only a few faint pastel flakes remain.
”A shrine to Findeladlara!” breathes Aetheri, ”Can you believe it?!” she seems bursting with excitement at all the new finds and can’t wait to begin delving in earnest.
Area 6:
Taking note of the interesting ceiling, Kaylayne activates her slippers for a second time and critters up for a better look.
Perception - 20' away
"Anyone have any easy fire? Hmm..." Kaylayne shrugs, then casts Produce Flame and sends a few (two) small balls of fire into the spider webbed vines.
"Look out below!"
If nothing comes out or burns, Kaylayne will cast Detect Magic and wait for a bit, scanning. Then she'll go closer if necessary.
The vines are tough to burn, but the magic does so to some degree effectively. Clearing away some of the vines reveals flecks of blue, green, and violet quartz crystal studding the eye sockets of the reliefs. It's not worth much (just a few dozen gold each, at best), but it's very pretty, particularly in the light of the flame.
She senses no magic (other than the party if any are in her cone).
Aetheri worries about the underlying structure. "Careful you don't burn any paintings or other frescoes. I'd hate to damage this wonderful place without need." she cautions.
"Careful you don't burn any paintings or other frescoes. I'd hate to damage this wonderful place without need." she cautions.
Kaylayne nods, trying to remove as much of the vines as she can so that Aetheri can examine the crystal studding. She does not loot anything.
After climbing down, she fetishes back her spell, tucking the wooden butterfly back into her 'sack. She does the same with her other, more powerful fetish.
Kaylayne waits exploration of 9 & 10.
Aetheri worries about the underlying structure. "Careful you don't burn any paintings or other frescoes. I'd hate to damage this wonderful place without need." she cautions.
Dimitrio reassures the elven woman of Layne's skills and intents, "It's OK; She knows what she's doing."
He then nears Lief, elbows him in the ribs, and whispers, "Will you go put a leash on her!? She's going to burn precious treasures here. I don't think she appreciates art much."
"Will you go put a leash on her!? She's going to burn precious treasures here. I don't think she appreciates art much."
Lief closes his eyes as Dimitrio jests with him. "It sounds like Aetheri has properly chastised her, for what little good it will do. I will say, this place has probably suffered greater than a little purging flame." The young man smiles at the dancer, a little overwhelmed at the historical halls they walk.
Lief decides to check the double doors , bringing his ioun stone to circle him. Should the door open easily, he examines the room for any signs of trouble, from the doorway.
He looks to Ederin for further instructions.
Chamber nine has thick molds and rotting vines covering the walls of this rectangular hall. Significantly sized cracks in the ceiling let stagnant rainwater pool in places upon the floor except for where the stone rises to form a small circular platform and escalating shelves.
Chamber ten reveals scenes of elven musicians welcoming the dawning of the sun surround this dilapidated chamber. Numerous large heaps of rotting plant material spill out of a large alcove in the near wall and across the floor. Amid the leaves and piled branches sparkle bits of stone and other baubles. It seems you have found the nest of the shocker lizards. There is no one left to defend it. Or is there?
Dimitrio
Ederin +2 in urban terrain (everyone)
Kaylayne
Lief
Gooder Guy
Good Guys
Sparkling stones and baubles interest Dimitrio, "I think it's the lizards nest. Something is moving in the corner. Layne, your energy defense still good?"
Dimitrio moves closer to get a better look.
Round 1, Init 17
"Yeah, sure. Should be." Kaylayne says, moving closer. She will ready to toss a stone if something appears that seems dangerous or shocky.
to hit;
damage.
[ dice]1d20+7-2[/dice] to hit; (rapid)
[ dice]1d6+2[/dice] damage.
+4 Bab +3 Dex +1 magic +1 PBS
1d6 + 1 magic +1 PBS
Slippers: 1/10 used
Pearl of Power 1: 0/2 used
Pearl of Power 2: 0/1 used
Scroll of Water Breathing
Wand of CLW: 4 charges left
Wand of Magic Stone: 26 charges left
Wand of Lesser Restoration: 21 charges left
Ring of the Ram: 20/36 charges left
10 Adamantine Stones
20 Cold Iron Stones
10 Silver Stones
Dimitrio steps up and readies an attack, and connects with a shocker lizard as it moves up. Kaylayne readies an attack which also triggers as the lizards move up - but she misses.
Sure enough, two more shocker lizards come out of the nest, move up, and touch horns!
Reflex DC 12 - it effects the party, but not Aetheri. Not from an evil source…
Reflex
"S*~@. Close the door if you want, I'll handle these," Kaylayne bemoans the pests.
Round 1, Init 13
HP: 18/42
AC: 22 (Touch 14/ FF: 18)
Equipped Weapons: +1 Cold Iron Longsword
Conditions:
Relevant Data:
+2 Attacks/Saves/Skill Checks - Herosim
+6/+1 BAB
+4 Dex
+1 Bow
+1 Weapon Focus
-2 To Hit: Rapid Shot
+1 to Attack and Damage, PBS
Improved Precise Shot - No negatives from partial Cover or partial concealment
24 Arrows (Standard)/ 24 Blunt Arrows (15 Silvered (Blanch) 6 Silvered (Alchemical))
"This s$%& again?" Ederin grits through his teeth as he takes the full brunt of the lightening. Looking over Lief's head he fires off three arrows at the closest lizard .
Green's eyes go wide as it drops under a hail of attacks. Even blue is surprised as Ederin's last shot hits him though the open door.
Round 1, Delay Init to 13-
AC = 18
HP = 21/33
Weapon Equipped = +1 Rapier
Condition(s) = Magic Circled
Lief steps through the door, pausing to allow Ederin slightly less obstruction to the electric lizards and their charms. He studies Blue , then flicks his blade, hoping two is enough. Well, five, but who's counting?
He takes a closer look at the other side of the room, once Blue is unable to produce further static objections.
Ederin launches a volley through the door dropping one lizard and wounding another. Lief slides into the room and plants the remaining lizard in the ground.
Aetheri keeps well back and watches the rest of the complex excitedly. Surely we'll be done fighting now and we can search!
Suddenly the pile of debris… moves. A mass of tangled vines and dripping slime rises on two trunk-like legs. It lashes out at Dimitrio within easy reach!
Round 2, Init 13
HP: 18/42
AC: 22 (Touch 14/ FF: 18)
Equipped Weapons: +1 Cold Iron Longsword
Conditions:
Relevant Data:
+2 Attacks/Saves/Skill Checks - Herosim
+6/+1 BAB
+4 Dex
+1 Bow
+1 Weapon Focus
-2 To Hit: Rapid Shot
+1 to Attack and Damage, PBS
Gravity Bow - Weapon Damage is 2d6
Improved Precise Shot - No negatives from partial Cover or partial concealment
24 Arrows (Standard)/ 24 Blunt Arrows (15 Silvered (Blanch) 6 Silvered (Alchemical))
"What the hell is that!?" Ederin cries as he moves to the back of the room and casts a spell on his weapon. Keeping his eye on the creature all the while.
Kaylayne stares at the viny beast, wondering about it.
Know (Nature)
"Aetheri...? What is this?!"
, save 12 hit points
Dimitro easily dodges the lightning ball but is still shocked by its proximity.
He squirms away from the lashing vines and retaliates with his rapier.
Round 2, Init 19
Kaylayne scoots along the wall, ripping two stones at the vined foe.
to hit; (rapid)
damage.
to hit; (rapid)
damage.
[ dice]1d20+7-2[/dice] to hit; (rapid)
[ dice]1d6+2[/dice] damage.
+4 Bab +3 Dex +1 magic +1 PBS
1d6 + 1 magic +1 PBS
Slippers: 3/10 used
Pearl of Power 1: 1/2 used
Pearl of Power 2: 0/1 used
Scroll of Water Breathing
Wand of CLW: 4 charges left
Wand of Magic Stone: 25 charges left
Wand of Lesser Restoration: 21 charges left
Ring of the Ram: 20/36 charges left
10 Adamantine Stones
20 Cold Iron Stones
10 Silver Stones
Ahhh, no worries Dimitrio - I missed you then. Please remember to include your combat stats with your posts so I can track things like the barkskin, your attack bonuses, etc. Thanks.
Lief barely has time to look down on Blue, when he lifts his gaze to see Dimitrio begin a dance with something swampy and walking.
Defensive Abilities plant traits; Immune electricity; Resist fire 10
Special Attacks constrict on the grab (2d6+7)
Round 2, Init 13-
AC = 18
HP = 21/33
Weapon Equipped = +1 Rapier
Condition(s) = Magic Circled
"Well, behold! A shambling mound! Plant that would walk. And constrict. It's deadly with its vines. With its plant-like nature, it still resists electricity and fire. No wonder it was content lying among the lizards." Lief switches his studies to the new enemy, but decides to keep his distance, hoping Ederin and Kaylayne can make quick work of it. If it steps around Dimitrio, he swings out at it.
"Dimitrio, you should back up."
Dimitrio stabs the plant and seems to do some damage. Kaylayne tries to plumb its depths and fails. She then throws a pair of stones at it and misses. Ederin casts gravity bow and moves into position. Lief identifies, and then backs up from, the creature.
Aetheri drifts over to the door and pokes her head in the room.
She confirms Lief’s description, ”Oh my. That’s a shambling mound all right. Quite ferocious. I’m afraid they love electricity too. That jolt made it stronger. Good thing they can’t do it again!”
The plant matter continues to press it’s attacks. It does not seem to be all that cognizant of its surroundings as it shifts into the room.
Round 3, Init 13
HP: 18/42
AC: 22 (Touch 14/ FF: 18)
Equipped Weapons: +1 Cold Iron Longsword
Conditions:
Relevant Data:
+2 Attacks/Saves/Skill Checks - Herosim
+6/+1 BAB
+4 Dex
+1 Bow
+1 Weapon Focus
-2 To Hit: Rapid Shot
+1 to Attack and Damage, PBS
Gravity Bow - 2d6 Weapon Damage
+4 Hit and damage Rangers Focus
Improved Precise Shot - No negatives from partial Cover or partial concealment
21 Arrows (Standard)/ 24 Blunt Arrows (15 Silvered (Blanch) 6 Silvered (Alchemical))
"Watch your heads!" Ederin shouts as he fires three high powered arrows into the shambling mound.
Seeing Ederin's arrow zip by, Dimitrio urges him on, "Get him, Shorty!"
Those vines were trying to grab him and Dimitrio had dodged and skipped out of the way. For now.
As his rapier had drawn blood, or something like blood, he strikes once more...
____________
HP 36/51
AC: 22 = 10 +3(DEX) +6(chainshirt+2) +2 (buckler+1) +1(ring of prot)
Conditions: +2 AC (barkskin)
Melee (rapier+1): +10 = +5(base) +3(dex) +1 (magic) +1(weapon focus)
Melee Damage (rapier+1, arcane strike): 1d6+6 = weapon +4 dex +2 arcane strike), 18-20, x2
5/5 daggers, 2/2 panache, 3/3 charmed life, 18/18 bardic performance, 4/4 1st level and 2/2 2nd level spells
Round 3, Init 19
Seeing Dimi standing his ground, Kaylayne moves in to help distract the beast for Dimitrio and Lief.
She draws a dagger from her belt and moves to help Lief hit.
defensively aid Lief's attack vs. DC 10
[ dice]1d20+7-2[/dice] to hit; (rapid)
[ dice]1d6+2[/dice] damage.
+4 Bab +3 Dex +1 magic +1 PBS
1d6 + 1 magic +1 PBS
Slippers: 1/10 used
Pearl of Power 1: 0/2 used
Pearl of Power 2: 0/1 used
Scroll of Water Breathing
Wand of CLW: 4 charges left
Wand of Magic Stone: 26 charges left
Wand of Lesser Restoration: 21 charges left
Ring of the Ram: 20/36 charges left
10 Adamantine Stones
20 Cold Iron Stones
10 Silver Stones
Round 3, Init 13-
AC = 18
HP = 21/33
Weapon Equipped = +1 Rapier
Condition(s) = MC of Worthlessness
Lief gauges the creature's reach, so steps back up and strikes, hoping to overwhelm it before it gets a chance to strangle one of the group.
"We're only making it easier for the drow to secure this place, cleaning it out for them like we're doing."
Dimitrio presses on, but can’t quite manage a hit this round. Kaylayne tries to setup a Lief attack, but doesn’t quite manage it. Ederin launches a volley of arrows at the beast hitting twice! Lief studies it, lining up his swing, but he cuts it too close and just knocks off a few leaves.
Aetheri, seeing the mound close, backs off a little.
The shambler, unable to hit Dimitrio, turns instead on Kaylayne, hoping for a spongier target.
There seems to be a certain satisfactory shrug to the leaves as he finally connects with someone. Now the tide is turning...
Round 4, Init 13-
AC = 18
HP = 21/33
Weapon Equipped = +1 Rapier
Condition(s) = MC of Bupkis
Lief growls as his attack fails to connect. He brings the blade back around, his continuing study of the creature still in effect.
He backs off , hoping to make a lane for Ederin, even though the man doesn't require it.
Dimitrio smiles when the plant beast decides to leave him alone but winces when Layne gets clobbered by a thick branch.
He redoubles his effort on strikes again, hoping to put an end to this.
A cheeky Dimitrio tries to lighten up the situation, "Watch out Layne! You have to move out of the way like I do."
____________
HP 36/51
AC: 22 = 10 +3(DEX) +6(chainshirt+2) +2 (buckler+1) +1(ring of prot)
Conditions: +2 AC (barkskin)
Melee (rapier+1): +10 = +5(base) +3(dex) +1 (magic) +1(weapon focus)
Melee Damage (rapier+1, arcane strike): 1d6+6 = weapon +4 dex +2 arcane strike), 18-20, x2
5/5 daggers, 2/2 panache, 3/3 charmed life, 18/18 bardic performance, 4/4 1st level and 2/2 2nd level spells